The Vikings will be without safety Harrison Smith during tonight’s game against the Bears. Minnesota’s offensive line could also be shorthanded during the team’s season opener. 
Christian Darrisaw missed most of the 2024 campaign due to ACL and MCL tears. The standout left tackle has spent the offseason rehabbing his knee, and he managed to return to practice in June. At that point, however, Darrisaw had yet to receive full medical clearance.
The 26-year-old continued to make progress through the summer, and he was listed as a full participant in practice for the past two days. In spite of that, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes Darrisaw is not a lock to suit up tonight (video link). A cautious approach would come as little surprise given the 26-year-old’s importance to Minnesota’s offense.
Darrisaw inked a $26MM-per-year extension last summer, and he is under contract through 2029 as a result. The Vikings’ offensive line will depend on him this season and well beyond that point, so making sure he is back to full strength before playing him would be an understandable approach. Should Darrisaw sit out tonight (or any further games early in the year), though, the Vikings will be notably shorthanded on the blindside.
One of Minnesota’s top priorities this offseason was improving along the offensive line. Ex-Colts Will Fries and Ryan Kelly were added at guard and center, respectively. They will be joined by veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill and first-round rookie Donovan Jackson as starters. It will be interesting to see if Darrisaw is present as well for quarterback J.J. McCarthy‘s regular season debut.